James McAvoy made a remarkable transition from actor to director with his first feature, California Schemin’, which premiered this past weekend at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. The film adds McAvoy to the growing list of actors who have ventured behind the camera recently, joining notable names such as Scarlett Johansson and Kristen Stewart. The story combines humor and drama to explore an unusual true tale anchored in themes of ambition and identity.
The True Story Behind the Rap Duo Silibil N’ Brains
California Schemin’ is based on the intriguing real-life exploits of Silibil N’ Brains, a California rap duo who were, in fact, neither Californians nor Americans. Instead, the duo consisted of Billy Boyd (played by Samuel Bottomley) and Gavin Bain (played by Séamus McLean Ross), two close friends from Dundee, Scotland. Both worked at a call center, attempting to upsell internet services before diving headfirst into a rap career that was anything but typical. Combining elements of truth and creative license, the film delves into their unlikely journey in the music industry.
From Call Center to Rap Stardom Ambitions
Set in 2003, the film establishes the personalities of Billy and Gavin clearly: Gavin is reserved, introspective, and deeply passionate about his hip-hop dreams, while Billy is the outgoing and persuasive one, who dreams of success but is equally committed to his girlfriend, Mary (Lucy Halliday). Their plan begins when Gavin learns about a contest by a major record label to find the next big act, prompting the duo to travel from Scotland to audition. However, the record executives dismiss them quickly, claiming
“
it’s not what we’re looking for
.”
This rejection becomes the catalyst for their extraordinary plan to invent a new identity—posing as Los Angeles rappers traveling through Europe.
The Elaborate Ruse of Becoming Californians
To gain entry into the UK music scene, Billy and Gavin adopt fabricated backstories, claiming they come from Hemet, California, a choice made at random. Their accents and behaviors are carefully crafted to convince record executives, but their initial efforts are met with skepticism. After being rejected again, notably by a dismissive executive played by James Corden, the duo take a bold step. On the night of their intended return, they secretly enter a popular hip-hop club, lock the opening act away, and perform their demo live for the first time in front of a predominantly black crowd. Despite a rough start, their genuine talent eventually wins over the audience.
Early Signs of Industry Recognition and Rising Stakes
Though ejected from the club, Billy and Gavin receive a business card from Tessa (Rebekah Murrell), an A&R hopeful who becomes their scout. This connection leads to a meeting with Anthony (James McAvoy), a top executive who quickly signs them after hearing their demo tape. The narrative tension grows as the duo aims not only for personal success but to expose the British music industry’s hypocrisy—the plan is to reveal their true Scottish identities at the peak of their popularity on MTV UK.
The Unraveling of a Carefully Maintained Hoax
As Silibil N’ Brains enjoys growing fame and the accompanying luxuries of the London music scene, the lie becomes harder to maintain. The pressure weighs heavily on Gavin, whose emotional journey is at the film’s heart. James McAvoy deliberately centers the story on Gavin’s struggle, highlighting the fragility beneath the bravado. The storyline, while straightforward, avoids typical cliches by focusing on the human cost of their deception.
Strong Performances Drive the Film’s Emotional Core
Séamus McLean Ross, relatively new to the spotlight after his appearance in Outlander: Blood of My Blood, delivers a profound and affecting portrayal of Gavin. His depth and sensitivity command attention throughout the film, making Gavin’s challenges resonate deeply. Samuel Bottomley, portraying Billy, offers an equally compelling counterpart, embodying confidence and charm. Together, their dynamic grounds the film’s narrative and lends credibility to the unlikely rise of their rap personas.
McAvoy’s Vision: Authenticity and Entertainment
In crafting California Schemin’, James McAvoy aimed to tell a story about Scotland’s working class without relying on stereotypes, and to captivate audiences with a fresh, entertaining approach. His effort succeeds significantly, especially through the musical performances that feel authentic and convincing. The film deftly addresses the allure of dreams and the pitfalls of chasing fame while sidestepping overused storytelling devices common to music biopics. It reflects McAvoy’s steadiness as a director and vision for stories rarely told from these perspectives.
The Significance of California Schemin’ in McAvoy’s Career
Historically, many actors who direct their first film tend to return primarily to acting roles, finding it simpler to secure work in front of the camera than to manage production demands. However, California Schemin’ stands out as a strong debut, signaling the potential for James McAvoy to continue exploring directing beyond a single project. This film not only asserts his versatility within the industry but also serves as an invitation to audiences and industry peers to expect more work from him in the director’s chair.
Looking Ahead After TIFF 2025
The success and warm reception of California Schemin’ at the Toronto International Film Festival suggest that James McAvoy’s storytelling voice and directorial skills are worth following. As the film garners attention for its unique blend of humor, authenticity, and social commentary, its impact may encourage other actors to take similar creative risks. For now, McAvoy delivers a balanced, nuanced depiction of ambition, identity, and friendship that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, marking his directorial debut as a noteworthy milestone.
